“When there is a conflict between the heart and brain, let the heart be followed. It is the heart which takes one to the highest plane, which intellect can never reach; always cultivate the heart; through the heart the Lord speaks and through the intellect you yourself speak.”
– Swami Vivekananda
In the journey of life, we often encounter critical decisions that shape our paths. However, there are no definitive answers as to which is the right path as all of us are unique in our own way and moreover, our circumstances are different.
Having said this, I feel that making decisions aligned with our true selves leads to a lighter heart, a free mind, and the ability to accomplish more. Having taken right decisions, we find ourselves in a state of flow in which working hard seems an effortless experience. Conversely, when we force ourselves to take decisions which others consider to be “right” ( & not we ourselves), we find ourselves burdened with constant overthinking and effort which is energy sapping.
This article explores the importance of trusting our hearts over our minds when facing critical choices.
The Complexity of Decision-Making
Navigating through life’s crossroads can be daunting. Many times in the journey of life, we encounter situations when we need to take critical decisions that shape our lives. Such decisions demand careful consideration due to the possible impact it will have on our lives ahead. However, unfortunately for us there is no one-size-fits-all formula for decision making. Acknowledging the complexity of decision-making is the first step towards embracing the power of intuitive choices.
The Heart vs Mind Dilemma
During critical decision making, one finds oneself in following the heart vs mind quandary. One doesn’t understand in those moments which is the decision to take. While the mind seeks logical explanations, the heart serves as an intuitive guide. These two facets of our being often engage in a subtle tug-of-war.
Decision Making: Signs of Making the Right Choice
Unravelling the connect between the heart, the self & the flow state
In essence there are no absolute right or wrong decisions – there are no ready answers – this is all very person specific. The right choice for you will depend on your individual values, goals, and circumstances. So, don’t be afraid to make the choice that feels right for you, even if it’s not the choice that everyone else would make.
When we align our decisions with our authentic selves, unmistakable signs emerge. The right choice brings a sense of lightness and ease. Our minds are unburdened, free from constant analysis and doubt.
The Energy of Flow State: When Decisions Feel Effortless
One remarkable indicator of a well-made decision is the experience of a flow state.
When our choices are harmonious with our true selves, we effortlessly tap into a state of productivity and focus. This energy flows through our actions, enables us to accomplish more while feeling fresh even during the slog.
Hard work seems effortless in this flow state; moreover everything around you seems aligned.
The Disconnected Decision Making
Overthinking and the Burden of Forcing the Wrong Choice
Overthinking and decision making is also connected. When one is making a choice giving primacy to the mind over the heart by applying all kinds of logic which seemingly look right, one feels almost immediately burdened.
In such a scenario one finds oneself overthinking, all the time working on various permutations to try make this work. There is a lot of effort involved. This takes away a lot of time and is exhausting, leaving one with little time or energy to do other things. And more often than not, it doesn’t work in the long run.
So, learn to recognize the signs of forcing the wrong choice and liberate yourself from the shackles of unnecessary exertion.
Embracing correct decision-making-following the heart
In the ultimate analysis, when faced with critical decisions, trusting our intuition following our hearts becomes the compass that leads us to take the right decisions; it may even seem not right in the short run but rest assured, when one is choosing something following the heart instinctively, it is usually the right choice for you in the long run. One feels light; and the mind is not at work all the time-it is free from over thinking and one finds the energy to do a lot of work. In this state, often referred to as the flow state, the hard work feels almost effortless. There is definitely an interesting connect between following one’s heart, correct decision making & the flow state.
So, whenever one needs to take a critical decision in life, follow the heart and not the mind is what I would say. You would have made the right choice.
Ready to unlock your full potential and make informed life choices? Connect with Surajit Roy, the mentor, for personalized guidance and expert advice.
FAQs: How to take Critical Decisions which are right for you
1. How can I make difficult decisions in life?
Making difficult decisions in life involves a delicate balance between logic and intuition. Trusting your heart and aligning choices with your authentic self can lead to lighter, more fulfilling moments.
2. What are some tips for taking critical decisions which are correct?
Tips for taking critical decisions which are correct (for you):
- Gather information
The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to take a more informed decision. - Consider all options
Don’t just jump to the first option that comes to mind. Take some time to consider all of your options, even the ones that seem less appealing at first. - Weigh the pros and cons
Once you have considered all of your options, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each. This will help you to take a decision which is correct for you. - Take the decision
Once you have weighed the pros and cons of each option, it’s time to take a decision. Don’t be afraid to take it, even if it doesn’t seem to be quite perfect.
Once you have taken a decision ponder over it for a while before acting on it. Be aware on how you are feeling about it. If necessary, tweak it a little or reverse it altogether if you are not feeling good about it and find yourself overthinking. This is a sure sign that you have taken a decision which is not so right for you.
Act on it only when your heart tells you that it is the right decision and you will know when this happens. Your mind will stop over thinking and you will find yourself in a flow state feeling a lot of energy inside you. Once you feel this way, don’t procrastinate. Just go ahead. Know when a decision is not good you can always change/tweak it as you go along.
What is critical is to be alert about how you are feeling about this – your answers on the next steps will come from here.
3. What is the difference between following your heart and following your mind?
Following your heart means making decisions based on your emotions and intuition. Following your mind means making decisions based on logic and reason. As Swami Vivekananda said, when there is a conflict between your heart and mind, follow your heart.
4. What is the flow state in decision-making?
The flow state is a state of optimal performance and focus, where your actions feel effortless and natural. When choices align with your authentic self, you tap into this state of productivity and enjoyment.
It is characterized by a sense of being “in the zone,” where actions flow seamlessly and energy is abundant. And all of this is almost effortless.
5. How does overthinking impact decision-making?
Overthinking burdens decision-making, draining mental and emotional energy. When you force yourself into taking decisions which others say are correct but which don’t quite fit into your way of being, overthinking becomes a constant companion. Then you try and fit yourself into it. This excessive analysis and doubt hinder productivity and leave little energy for other endeavours.
Recognizing the signs of overthinking and the burden of forcing the wrong choice upon yourself is crucial to making decisions which are correct for you.
6. How can I develop trust in my decision-making process?
Developing trust in your decision-making process requires self-awareness and introspection. By honouring your intuition and experiences, you build confidence in your decision making process.
Seeking advice from trusted sources, engaging in continuous learning, and reflecting on past decisions can contribute to the development of trust and confidence in your decision-making abilities.
Connect with Surajit Roy to learn more about how he can help you make the right decision
